Stocking up for NAMPO

Stocking up for Nampo is well underway to meeting our deadline.  It is alway so exciting when things start falling into place the closer we get to loading our trailers and heading off to set up our dispay at Nampo Park,  the workshop is working 24/7 and although we have had alot of public holidays this month, it has not kept us from reaching our targets.

Yours in Christ

Anton Gilfillan

Drawing closer to Nampo

Agricultural Trade Show

For those of you who do not know what the Nampo Show is all about, Nampo Harvest Day is one of the largest privately organised and owned exhibitions in the world and the largest show of agricultural ma-chinery and livestockin the southern hemisphere.  It takes place annually out-side Bothaville in the Free State, Republic of South Africa.

Organized by Grain South Africa (GSA), it provides a unique opportunity to all manufactureres and distrubutors of agrigultural machinery, products and services to exhibit as well as demonstrate their vast range of products to their targeted customers - the farmers of South Africa.

Controlled practical demonstrations of machinery and implements are an unique feature of the Show which allows farmers to view demonstrations of an exhaustive range of machinery and implements.

The first NAMPO Agricultural Show dates back to 1967.   The first show took place on the farm Donkerhoek outside Bloemfontien as was attended by 200 farmers.  From there it moved to various farms until its size and growth demanded a permanent home.  This was established in 1974 on a venue outside Bothaville, on what is known today as NAMPO Park.

The 1974 Harvest Day attracted 32 exhibitors on an area of 8 hectares, whilst practical demonstrations took place on a 30 hectare area.

Today the NAMPO  Agricultural Trade Show draws more than 500 exhibitors, spread over 24 hectares and the demonstration area covers 80 hectares.

This show is dynamic, and Central Milk will be there once again.  We are currently busy with getting our production complete for the show and are getting realy excited as the time draws closer. Our aim is to reach the Dairy Industry aswell, and our stunning range of Braais will be on display aswell.  We invite you from near a far to come and join us at the NAMPO Agricultural Trade Show,  Come visit us and let us show you how we can help you.

For further details on the NAMPO Agricultural Show go to http://www.grainsa.co.za/ for Entrance Fees, Dates and Times.

Hope to see you there?

Yours in Christ 

Anton Gilfillan 



How we made it in Africa

INTRODUCTION

Dairy production has the potential to be a profitable business opportunity for farmers in Africa.  There is always room to grow, both for beginner farmers as well as more established players.

Central Milk is able to assist farmers in establishing a successful dairy business.

Adding Value

Smaller farmers have the opportunity to "add value" to their milk by putting up a factory and entering the market place.  Dairy farmers can either produce milk and sell to the larger companies or become smaller distributers of their own product.

The following products can be produced on a diary farm:

• Fresh milk - straight from the farm, not pasteurised (be careful for the unpasteurised bacteria).
• Pasteurised fresh milk as well as traditional sour milk.
• Drinking and eating yoghurt ( flavoured cultured milk).
• Cheese products.

Equipment

South Africa-based Central Milk can supply dairies with equipment to produce the above mentioned products.  Central Milk manufactures most equipment required by the dairy industry.  Whether you need process equipment for milk, sour milk, cheese or yogurt, the company has technology and products to suite your requiremnts.

The company has been involved with the establishment of various successful dairy businesses across the African continent.  "In Botswana we`ve supplied a yoghurt and sour milk factory; in Zambia a company bought our equipment to produce milk, sour milk and a bit of cheese; and were also involved withtwo large dairies for the King of Swaziland.  In addition we`ve also supplied a number of projects in Zimbabwe and Mozambique," says Anton Gilfillan, Managing director of Central Milk.

Packaging and Marketing

While planning a diary facility, it is important to consider packaging and marketing strategies, which is essential to the success of any new dairy business.

Important factors to consider are:

1. To bottle products is the most common way to do it.  Plastic bottles and lids, however, are expensive and are not readily available in certain countries.
2. Sachet packagiing, from 200ml to 1 Liter, is more affordable and is easily available.
3. The "Ama Tap-Tap" system, a new concept approved in South Africa, allows for products such as milk, sour milk, juice and yoghurt, to be sold to the public with their own containers.  Benefits of this system:

• Product is sold while it is still fresh.
• It is much cheaper because there is no container involved ( Client brings their own container).
• The work for the diary farmer is minimised.

Conclusion

Dairy farming is not just about milking a cow under a tree.  It is a business oppertunity and a business mus have a plan in place.  The success of any diary business depends on two things:

1. The motivation of the owner and his/her skills.
2. The dairy`s marketing strategy.

Stay with us as we build up toward the Nampo Show.

Yours in Christ
Anton Gilfillan